How much should fundal height measure in relation to gestational age after 20 weeks?

Fundal height is a crucial measurement in assessing fetal growth and development during pregnancy, particularly after 20 weeks' gestation. It is generally expected that the fundal height, measured in centimeters from the pubic symphysis to the top of the uterus (the fundus), correlates closely with the gestational age in weeks.

After 20 weeks, a common guideline is that fundal height should equal the gestational age within a margin of approximately 2 centimeters. This means if a pregnant person is 24 weeks along, for instance, the fundal height should measure around 24 centimeters, with a normal variance of plus or minus 2 centimeters being acceptable. This margin allows for individual variations in growth and anatomy while still providing a reliable indicator of fetal well-being and gestational progress.

A discrepancy larger than this margin may suggest issues such as growth restriction or excessive growth due to conditions like gestational diabetes. Therefore, the expectation of a fundal height measurement being within 2 centimeters of gestational age is essential for effectively monitoring the progress of the pregnancy.